Okay l finally finished this chapter. I hope you guys like it. And I'm going to start posting every two weeks from now on. Love you guys and hope to read what you think about this story and how its progressing so far.

Chapter Nine

"What happened to you two? I thought you guys would be here hours ago!" Sam exclaimed as the couple entered the foyer, having missed seeing the couple exit the elevator just six prior.

"I know. I know, but work ran longer than expected. We had a lot to go over with the architect…right Brooke?" he asked in a neutral tone as images of Brooke pressed against the wall in the shower while he took her from behind entered his mind.

Brooke schooled her facial expression and answered, "Yup…and we have a lot of more things to cover. So there may be a few nights where we would have to work later than expected." She said neutrally, even though she was sending hints towards Lucas. We should definitely do that again. ASAP!

Which he clearly understood saying, "Right. It may even be tomorrow night."

Sam nodded, seemingly to have bought it and said, "Okay well let me know for sure when those nights happen two hours in advance alright? That way I can plan the kids nights better. They were asking me every thirty minutes when would you guys be home."

"Definitely will next time. Where are my two goofballs anyway?" he asked, snagging one of their treats left behind on the tray.

"Working on a kiddie puzzle that Gaston dude dropped off earlier in the play room." She informed him directly as she looked at him.

"Okay well I'm gonna catch a shower, tell the boys that I will be helping them with that puzzle alright?" Lucas instructed, his eyes briefly on Brooke before settling on Sam.

"Yes sir Mr. Scott."

Just as he was walking past her, Brooke hid a gasp and a smile when he slyly caressed her ass before rushing off to his suite. The touch was enough to send heated shockwaves through her, as well as bringing to mind of the last few hours they spent together.

"Well after I tell the boys that their father will be joining them I'm gonna call it a night. I'm so tired. Jamie and Logan can be handfuls when they want to be so I need all the rest I can get…" Sam said before yawning, jolting Brooke out of her daydream, already heading to the playroom.

"Ok goodnight little sis."

"Goodnight!" She said before entering the room.

Brooke went to her own bedroom and closed the door behind her, she sighed with a smile on her face. She loved this room, the pastoral motif of the wallpaper, the curvaceous and elegant furniture, beautiful patterns and subtle texture in this luxurious sanctuary.

The bedroom makes use of beautiful lines and curves. The main feature is the beautiful upholstered sleigh bed finished in gold patina and with a hint of gold. The antiqued look is further highlighted with a hand-applied burnish. The upholstered sleigh bed is complemented by a thick tufted upholstery surrounded with individual nail heads and in matching leather. French style often uses big, curvaceous and elegant furniture. The pink, creams, and gold of the furniture was a charmer too, bringing an elegance and feminine touch to the room.

Brooke turned on the TV with the remote and laid down on her stomach, flicking the channel until she came across a movie she recognized. Before she knew it, her eyes began to feel droopy and her head felt heavier and heavier until she fell asleep on top of the covers.

-x-

Lucas finished his shower and went directly to the playroom finding his boys working together all the while arguing about what piece fit where. He smiled, deciding to just observe them for a minute.

Logan took the piece and said, "No Jamie! It goes here!" he said as he placed the piece in the wrong spot.

"See I told you you're wrong! It goes here! See?!" he said as he took the piece and put it in the right place.

"Ooh I hate you!" Logan said as he got angry at being proven wrong.

Jamie began crying, his feelings hurt at hearing his brother saying something so harsh toward him.

"Hey!" he said as he rushed into the room, his voice raised, making his presence known. "I don't ever want to hear that word coming out of your mouth towards your brother again! You're supposed to love each other no matter what and I'm not going to raise you otherwise, do you understand me?!"

Logan looked down shamefully and mumbled, "Yes sir…"

"Now apologize to your brother for saying something that you clearly don't mean."

"I'm sorry Jamie…"

"You're sorry for?!" Lucas prompted, wanting him to be clear and understand what he was apologizing for.

Logan exhaled then said, "I'm sorry for saying that I hate you. I didn't mean it. But you make me soo mad sometimes!"

Jamie walked to Logan and hugged him, "I love you Lo…"

"I love you too Jamie…I'm sorry." Logan said genuinely this time as the two hugged.

And just like that the ill feelings were but forgotten as they went back to their puzzle. Lucas went to sit between them and asked, "Need any help?"

"No thanks Daddy. We got it." Jamie said as they finished the puzzle with the final piece.

"So I see…how about a bedtime story?" he asked as they stood up from their kneeling positions.

"Yay!!!" Jamie and Logan exclaimed.

"Can we stay the night with you Daddy?" Logan asked softly as they walked out of the room.

Lucas had other things in mind with his bed but found himself saying, "Sure buddy…"

He held the twins hands and led the boys to his bedroom. He tucked them into his king sized bed and was about to get in himself when Jamie asked, "What happened to our bedtime story Daddy?"

Lucas sighed then shrugged, "I completely forgotten about it, J-Luke." He then looked around as he muttered, "I can't believe I forgot…"

"Uh, maybe there's something in here I can read to you…" he said going to his book case. He picked a book of literature and smiled saying, "Okay guys tonight's going to be a bit different…we're going to hear about Rikki-Tikki-Tavi by Rudyard Kipling."

"What's Rikki-Tikki-Tavi?" Logan asked as he got comfortable in his father's bed.

"Rikki-Tikki-Tavi is about the adventures of a valiant young Indian mongoose…"

Lucas read the story changing his voice so the boys could tell who was speaking and the boys eyes began to droop unintentionally, both of them fighting sleep to hear the end of this exciting new story. But alas sleep claimed them, Logan being the first to fall. Lucas climbed into his bed and turned off the lamp light. His last thought was of Brooke…wondering what she was doing.

-x-

The next morning Brooke awoke feeling refreshingly energetic, like she had a shot of Red Bull or something. Walking into the bathroom she relieved herself and washed her hands thoroughly before washing her face. Looking into the mirror she smiled, her eyes were brighter than usual and her skin looked slightly radiant. Shaking her head she walked out of there while calling herself ridiculous.

She was up kinda early as well, she noticed. It was only five a.m.! But she couldn't help the rush of energy pulsing through her. So she got dressed in her fitted crop top and fitted sport leggings and ties her hair up in a top knot then searched for the workout room, deciding to work out said energy.

It took her awhile but Brooke found it eventually and began her routine that she did at home, getting her cardio set first.

While she started the machine her phone rang Haley's signature ringtone as she decided to shake things up by manipulating the incline and training programs to resemble varied outdoor workouts.

Brooke answered the phone without hesitation and switched to FaceTime then smiled, "Heeey you! I miss you!"

"I miss you too. You look like you're full of energy." Haley said as she watched Brooke run on the treadmill.

"Oh I feel awesome…like I can take on the world! I swear to God I feel like I'm full of amphetamines…" she panted as she ran along with the speed of the machine. "Must've been the fantastic sex I had yesterday."

Haley's jaw dropped, "You slept with Lucas?!"

"I did…" she said with a satisfied smirk.

"When?! I need details! Tell me everything!" she exclaimed then seeming to think about it she amended, "Well not everything…"

Brooke chuckled, "Well we had a meeting yesterday and we went over plans for the hotel and restaurant, going over every single detail. Anyway after we left the site we ended up going out on a impromptu lunch date. There was a lot of flirting involved and so…I just took your advice and stopped fighting my attraction to him and went for it. In the end he ended up seducing me very thoroughly. Just thinking about it is enough to make me want him again."

"Is this a just sex thing or do you want something more out of it?"

Brooke exhaled and turned off the treadmill, she then toweled off the pouring sweat from her face and neck saying, "I'm not sure…plus I don't care. I just accepted that I want him sexually you know…and to be honest I don't know if I'm still the candy and hearts kind of girl. Especially after I've been screwed over so many times by the people I thought I could trust—"

"Brooke he's not Chase. And he's for damn sure not Dan. You can trust him." Haley said earnestly.

Brooke rolled her eyes and sighed saying, "I know and believe me I want to. Especially when he's saying all these sweet things and genuinely wanting to help out—but I can't help that I'm still waiting on the other shoe to drop…as it always does."

Haley frowned as she said, "Oh Brooke…" she then rolled her eyes saying, "I feel like I keep telling you that you simply can't go through life expecting bad things to happen. Lucas is a great person and I can tell that he's crazy about you—"

"And how do you know that?" she asked, her eyebrow cocked in question.

"Well for one thing: Lucas doesn't do dates. He has one night stands—"

"Well what if I am a one night stand Hales?" she asked semi-seriously but mostly was teasing her.

Haley rolled her eyes, seeming to know exactly where her mind was travelling. "You're not! The way he talks about you proves—" she then halted her speech and winced.

That piqued Brooke's interest. "Proves what Haley? He talks about me?"

"He is one of my best friends Brooke. You being the other one. Of course he talks with me."

"Well what did he say?" she asked challengingly, her signature smirk on her face.

"He says that he's never met anyone like you before and that you have a sexy personality. He also said he can be himself with you…you know he should be the one telling you this right?"

Brooke couldn't really say anything, knowing there was truth to those words. He had all but said them to her already.

After a lengthy pause Haley said genuinely, "In any case I'm happy for you Brooke. With the restaurant expansion and with Lucas..."

"Thank you. Anyway enough about me…how's everything going over there? Anything exciting happen?"

"Everything's awesome. We just had a Parisian theme that was well received. The patrons had asked for us to make it a recurring theme."

"That's great. We can have American Mondays, Taco Tuesdays, Italian Wednesdays, Parisian Thursdays, Korean Fridays, Caribbean Saturdays and Thai Sundays." She said with excitement, her favorite part of owning her restaurant was planning the menu for the coming week. But she was a little saddened that she wouldn't be on the line creating the dishes with her crew. "What about personal? Anything new happen?"

Haley bit her lip then said, "Actually yes there has been a new development…" she said as she played with her honey blonde hair.

"Oh my God you and Chris finally—"

Haley frowned with disgust saying, "Ew no of course not!" Haley sighed then explained, "Lucas has a brother that I have a history with and he wants to reconnect with me."

Brooke's eyes widened, "Wow that is a new development! Are you going to pursue it?"

Haley raked a hand through her hair and admitted, "I want to but with me running the restaurant…it's impossible right now. Besides he probably thinks I'm avoiding him." She said wistfully before gnawing on her bottom lip.

"Why would he think that?" Brooke asked curiously.

Haley blushed at the thought of him and said, "Because he called the other day and I had to go through the menu choices I decided for the day…and I never got around to calling him back."

Brooke frowned, "Well make time tomorrow morning and feel out his intentions. You should definitely consider exploring whatever spark is there between you and….what's his name again?"

Haley laughed knowing she was being quoted and supplied, "His name's Nathan."

"Right. Nathan. I knew that…well anyway you should definitely explore it. You might be surprised where you end up."

"Nice quote of me. I'm really proud." Haley said as she laughed, her smile dazzling.

"You know what would make me proud?" Brooke asked as she picked up a dumbbell.

Haley's eyebrows furrowed as she said, "No, what?"

"You calling him tomorrow morning. Or maybe tonight after work…" Leaning forward and bending both knees, while remembering to keep a flat back. She extended her arms so they were straight. Lifting the dumbbells straight up to chest level, squeezing her shoulder blades together as she did, sure to keep her elbows in and pointed upward. She remembered not to arch her back as she slowly lowered the weights back to the starting position to complete one rep.

"You know the annual basketball game is coming up in a few weeks…will you be able to pop in?" she said her attempt at changing the conversation, which Brooke allowed, deciding not to push her.

She sighed then said, "I haven't forgotten about it. And I will try to make an appearance…"

"Good because you know our team would suck without your usual cheer."

Brooke laughed as she repeated the rep. "You would be fine without me…"

"You know we won't." Haley said seriously, in such a way that made Brooke want to race back where she belonged but she knew she was needed here.

"Hey B. Davis what's happenin over there baby girl?" Skills said as he popped in from being nosey.

"Nothing much…just some preliminary stuff." She said as she completed two out of twelve reps.

Skills licked his lips semi-playfully saying, "B. Davis that French air must be doing you good girl! You look good enough to eat baby."

"Why thank you Skills!" Brooke said blowing him a grateful kiss.

"Can you get started prepping for tomorrow please?!" Haley playfully snapped, pushing him from view. "Alright we have to get started prepping the meats for Wednesday…call you tomorrow around midnight?"

Brooke smiled fondly then said, "Absolutely…later you guys."

Haley sent her one last smile then disconnected the call.

"I see I'm not the only early riser here." Lucas said humorously as he watched her lying on her back with a dumbbell lifted over her chest, arms straight, and legs raised toward ceiling, knees and ankles stacked over her hips. Lower left leg down as low as she could go without her lower back arching up off the mat.

Brooke smiled but continued to do her reps. "Well I had a lot of energy to work off…"

"Why didn't you call me? I could have put all of that energy to good use." He said teasingly before going to the bench press.

"I did think about it but then I decided to do this instead of waking you."

Lucas eyes her heatedly, "Wake me next time. Please."

"Maybe I will…" Brooke said flirtatiously before resuming her workout. "So what got you up this early?"

He laughed then admitted, "I fell asleep after entertaining my boys last night in my room because they're not used to being here yet—therefore I had to ease their fears."

"That's so cute!"

"Yeah it was…" he admitted, "except for hogging my king-sized bed—I literally had no space to myself. Either Jamie kicked his foot on my hip or Logan put his hand on my face. They both had to feel that I was there with them for most of the night. Then Logan had an accident so I had to change hm out of his clothes and give him a bath. Then I took a shower after dressing him and putting him and his brother in their own beds. Laying in the dry side of my bed I then realized that I couldn't fall asleep again so I came here…"

"You had an eventful night then. And you still have enough energy to workout?"

He shrugged, "May as well keep in shape while sleepless."

An hour or so later Brooke and Lucas walked in the door of the dining room to find a nice hot breakfast of Belgian waffles, croissants, and berry fruit salad with hot cappuccino and cool orange juice.

"Everything looks pretty good…" Brooke said as she inhaled the delicious aroma as she sat down at the table. "…and it smells even better."

"Comment aimeriez-vous vos gaufres? Les aimeriez-vous avec de la crème fouettée et des fraises ou du sucre en poudre?" Esmée asked as the couple settled in at the table. (How would you like your waffles? Would you like them with whipped cream and strawberries or powdered sugar?)

"Nous surprendre." Lucas said with a cheerful grin. (Surprise us.)

Brooke was served with whipped cream and strawberries while Lucas had his with a simple dusting of powdered sugar.

Brooke groaned as she tasted her impressively golden brown waffles and found them delightfully light, fluffy, with a slight crisp on the edges, the whip cream and strawberries a perfect topping. She then sipped her orange juice and was pleasantly surprised to find that it had a refreshing take on the beverage, liking the dash of ginger that amazed her taste buds.

"This is so freaking good!" she moaned as she ate another bite.

Lucas sipped his deliciously rich cappuccino, his eyes on her as she was thoroughly enjoying her breakfast. "You know, hearing you moan like that brings back some pretty awesome memories…memories of my tongue—"

"Shh—"

"Doing laps around your—"

She tossed a croissant across the table at him saying in a hushed tone, "Lucas don't say that—people can hear you!" she said with a hushed tone and shocked widened eyes.

"They only understand and speak French."

"Rosalie is learning English so who knows who else might know it…"

"Good point…let's settle this…" Lucas said with a wink before asking the staff that were present in the right side of the room. "Excusez-moi? L'un de vous peut-il parler ou comprendre l'anglais?" (Excuse me? Can any of you speak or understand English?)

Most of them shook their heads collectively, the expression on their face clearly wondering why he was asking.

"See? Now can I continue recounting our really—"

"No." She said bluntly before cutting into her waffle. Lucas grinned, tracing his foot up her leg teasingly. "Lucas—"

The doors burst open just as she was about to playfully reprimand him and two energetic boys came rushing in with Sam barely trailing behind looking very ill.

"Sam you don't look so good…" Brooke said after rushing to her side.

"I don't feel so hot either…I don't know what came over me but I woke up with a dry cough and pain all over my body not to mention the headache…" she whined weakly.

She placed her hand on her sister's sweaty forehead and frowned, "Oh my God you're burning up. Come on I'll help you to your room." She turned to Lucas and asked, "Do you have any cold and flu medicine around here? I think that's what she's coming down with."

"I don't think so but I will send someone to go pick some up as soon as possible."

"Thank you…" she said gratefully before leading her baby sister out of the dining area.

Brooke managed to get her to her room without any incidents, despite Sam threatening to throw up with each step. Brooke tucked her in and watched her close her eyes, looking as if she were a little girl once again instead of a eighteen year old young lady. Sam frowned as she stroked her hair comfortingly, probably wondering when she would go away and leave her alone—

"Hey…Esmée managed to find a bottle of Theraflu in one of the medicine cabinets. I brought it with me…" he said as he came inside of the room.

"Thank you…" Brooke said gratefully as he handed her the bottle of medicine. "Where's the kids?" she asked, knowing that he wouldn't bring them inside of the room with anyone that was sick.

Lucas answered her saying, "They're in the playroom eating their breakfast right now. Speaking of which I have to get back to them. You going to be okay?"

Brooke looked at him and nodded as she said, "Yeah I'll be okay."

Lucas looked at her and touched her shoulder saying sincerely, "If either of you need anything let me know. I'll see you later."

Brooke nodded again. "Of course. See you later…"

She watched him leave until he closed the door behind him. She then turned all of her attention on Sam.

-x-

After a couple of days of caring for Sam, Brooke had been unfairly banished from her room. She was still sick but she was feeling a little better and was obviously annoyed with her older sister babying her. Sam had argued that she didn't see the point of it since Lucas had a doctor visiting her, monitoring her progress.

So she went to the garden and found Lucas playing hide and go seek with the boys. Jamie hiding by the rose bush while Logan was hiding behind the elm tree.

"One Mississippi…two Mississippi…three Mississippi…four Mississippi…five Mississippi…six Mississippi… seven Mississippi… eight Mississippi…nine Mississippi…ten Mississippi—ready or not here I come!" he shouted before taking off to search for them. Lucas found Jamie first and chased him around, Jamie squealing as he ran, leading their father directly to Logan.

Brooke watched them play with a smile on her face that is until Logan raced to her laying his hand on the wall. "Ah ha you didn't get me Daddy! I'm on base!" he sang in a singsong voice.

Lucas managed to grab Jamie up and tickled him until he was pink in the face. "You're it J-Luke—Brooke what are you doing out here?"

Brooke sighed as she shrugged and replied, "Dr. Authier is here…Sam got tired of me hovering and so she kicked me out of the room. Usually I wouldn't listen but she refused to allow the doctor to continue checking her if I were still in the room."

"Well you can hangout with us…" Logan suggested.

"Absolutely…" Lucas said with a smirk. "We can actually go to the Jardin d'Acclimatation."

"What's that?" Logan asked curiously.

Lucas looked down at his son and answered, "It means Acclimatization garden and it's a theme park about thirty minutes or so from here."

"Awesome!" the boys cheered.

"Can we go now?" Logan asked with great excitement, he could barely stand still from bouncing.

Lucas looked at his wrist watch and said, "Its almost 10:30…the park isn't open until 11."

"Yeah and if we leave now we will be there when it opens."

"Alright…good point." He then turned to her and asked, "Do you mind if I leave them with you for a few minutes while I make a couple of calls?"

"Um sure, that's fine." She said not entirely sure at all.

"I'll be right back…" Lucas assured her, seeing the cloud of doubt on her face. He then ruffled the boys hair and said, "Now you both behave for Ms. Brooke okay?"

"Okay Daddy…" Jamie said just before Lucas turned and walked away from them with his phone already towards his ear. "Wanna play hide and seek with us while daddy's busy?"

"I'd love to…last time I checked it was you that was It." Brooke said with a smirk.

Jamie sighed, "Oh alright…" he then turned around, closed his eyes and started counting, "One Mississippi…two Mississippi…"

Brooke and Logan ran in opposite directions, Brooke hiding near the fountains while Logan hid in his previous spot.

"Three Mississippi…four Mississippi…five Mississippi…six Mississippi… seven Mississippi… eight Mississippi…nine Mississippi…ten Mississippi—ready or not here I come!" he called before starting his search.

Just before Jamie could really look Lucas called them saying, "Alright guys ready for a day of fun?!"

"Yeah!" Jamie exclaimed, quickly forgetting the game he was playing.

"We gotta hit it before the crowds get there." He yelled to get the other participants attention.

Logan and Brooke hurried and met him at the back entrance. Jamie was already there with Lucas waiting for them. "Come on let's go…" Jamie exclaimed already opening the back door and rushing in.

"Hey no running bud!" Lucas shouted after Jamie after seeing Logan rushing behind him.

Brooke walked in stride beside him. "So a theme park…"

"Yeah it'll take your mind off of missing Sam while you're with us." He said as they reached the front door.

She exhaled then admitted, "I kinda feel guilty about leaving her like this…"

"Its just for a few hours. And besides she pushed you away." He said as he opened the door for her.

Brooke nodded then got into the car, sitting by Logan who was grinning with excitement.

"Jacque pouvez-vous nous conduire au Jardin d'Acclimatation?" Lucas said as he got in the car, seated next to Jamie. (Jacque can you drive us to Jardin d'Acclimatation?)

"Oui monsieur." Jacque then turned the key and pressed the ignition.

-x-

"Salut je suis Lucas Scott et j'ai pris des dispositions par téléphone…" he said as soon as they walked to the ticket stand. (Hi I'm Lucas Scott and I made arrangements over the phone…)

The man nodded and handed him four tickets, a park brochure and allowed them entrance.

"There's not a lot of people here…" Jamie said as they walked around.

Lucas had paid the park owners to allow only twenty customers inside with them to give the boys an authentic time at the theme park with guests without having too many people around.

"Don't worry about it bud…now what do you want to go on first?" he asked as he looked over the brochure. "We can go on the Flying Chairs."

"What's Flying Chairs?" Logan asked as he held Lucas's hand on his small one.

Lucas looked at his son then said, "The Flying Chairs is an awesome ride. And the coolest thing about it is that it appeared in the final scenes of countless Hollywood films, and is one of the Jardin d'Acclimatation's iconic attractions." Lucas explained as they walked to the attraction.

Lucas told him his name and the conductor gave them their tickets, Lucas having prepaid for every ride at the park for Brooke and his boys.

Brooke being first sat next to Logan while Lucas shared a chair with Jamie. The conductor moved on to the other customers until each chair was safely loaded and had their safety bar in place.

Brooke screamed while Logan laughed as they experienced centrifugal force and was whisked six meters into the air in just ten seconds. Brooke then got used to it and laughed, loving the blast of fresh air! She honestly felt like she could almost be able to touch the sun, lifting her arms high, like Logan and Jamie were doing, her eyes trying to keep up with the unobstructed views in every direction.

The ride lasted around 3 minutes, which is just enough time to see the sights and feel the thrill of flying before being gently brought back down.

"That was AWESOME!" Logan exclaimed as they left the ride. "It was like we were flying Dad!"

"Glad you liked it Lo." Lucas said as he ruffled his blonde hair.

They went all over the park, they rode the fast and furious Speed Rockets, shuttles zooming through the redwoods, created by intergalactic explorers. For three minutes, the five shiny rockets in vivid red hurtle along 400 meters of perilous twists and turns, reaching speeds of up to 45 km per hour on a roller coaster track.

They went on camel rides, saw the animals in a one-of-a-kind attraction. The Ferme Saint-Hilaire is the only educational farm near Paris. Topped with thatched roofs, the charming Normandy-style hamlet houses rabbits, guinea pigs, Rove goats, Ouessant sheep, donkeys, a henhouse and an apiary. This merry little community is organized around the seasons and births, introducing young city dwellers to the life cycles of the rural world.

Now they were on the Enchanted River. Lucas and Brooke sat in the back while the boys were seated in front. They floated along a small, lazy river, carried away in a magical ride under canopies of greenery and past long rows of irises.

"It's so beautiful here…" Brooke said as Lucas managed to wrap his arm suavely around her. She then looked at him and said with a laugh, "Nice move. Very eighth grade but smooth."

"Hey, at least I was able to put that gorgeous smile back on your face…" Lucas joked back.

Brooke smiled at him, "That you did…"

"Look at those birds!" Jamie exclaimed, pointing out the large birds that are identifiable by their long necks, sticklike legs and pink feathers.

"Those are flamingos. They're very pretty aren't they?" Brooke asked, looking at the birds as well.

Jamie turned around and looked at Lucas saying, "Yeah…very pretty…can we get one Daddy?"

"Uh I don't think you can own them Jamie simply because you cannot get a "flamingo diet" since it is not sold to individuals, and there is no way you can raise enough natural food for it yourself…but I will take a picture of one for you if you want." Brooke offered.

She then shrugged with a little embarrassed laugh as the three looked at her as if silently wondering how she knew that. "I always wanted one for myself so I looked it up." She explained.

"Can we get another pet though? We'll be good!" Logan practically begged with his adorable blue eyes.

"A pet is a lot of responsibility. You guys can barely keep up with Chester." Lucas said in a kind but firm tone.

"Well can we at least give one to Brooke? She deserves one!" Logan asked innocently.

Brooke shook her head, "I can't have a pet…I would be too busy to take care of it with my job."

"Come on Brooke work with me here! We're trying to get Daddy to get you something!" Logan stage whispered, unaware that Lucas could hear him still.

"That's very sweet of you but I would have to pass for now."

After the ride was over the boys got sleepy so Lucas carried Logan while Brooke carried Jamie. "You think it's time to leave?" she asked as she laughed, finding it funny that the usual bundles of energy were tuckered out.

"Yeah…we can come back at a later date if you want. That way we can explore more of the park and Sam would be included too." Lucas offered, while looking into her eyes.

Brooke gave him a soft look and answered, "I would really like that…"

"Then that's what we'll do…" he announced as they walked along. Before long they exited the park and Jacque was there to pick them up. The two enjoyed a silent ride to the mansion, holding the slumbering boys in their arms. Logan sighed and snuggled closer to Brooke.

"Wanna have a picnic in the garden when we get back?" he whispered above Jamie's head.

"That sounds perfect. I'm actually pretty hungry despite the snacks we had at the amusement park."

Lucas nodded then managed to grab his phone without jostling his son too much and speed dialed the kitchen. "Chef, pouvez-vous s'il vous plaît nous faire un panier de pique-nique et demander à Esmée de l'installer dans le jardin pour moi et mon invité?" (Chef can you please make us a picnic basket and have Esmée set it up in the garden for me and my guest?)

"Qu'aimeriez-vous dans le panier monsieur?" (What would you like in the basket sir?) Chef Mathis asked.

"Nous surprendre." Lucas said before hanging up. (Surprise us)

Thirty minutes later Lucas and Brooke carried the twins upstairs to their bedroom and laid the boys in their own beds.

"They're so cute when they're asleep…" Brooke said after she moved away from Logan's bed.

"I know…Nothing I've ever done has given me more joys and rewards than being a father to my children. And being able to watch them sleep for a bit is one of those rewards…" he said with a soft loving smile.

Lucas grasped her hand and left the room, quietly shutting the door behind them. "Wanna check in on Sam?"

"Yes…just for a second…"

Brooke entered her sister's room and quietly made her way to her bed. Sam was fast asleep, having left on a French version of Real Housewives of New York on the TV. She was still in her pajamas, her silky brown hair was still brushed from when Brooke had brushed it earlier. Brooke touched her forehead and found her temperature finally was on its way to normal, being a smidge elevated. She then kissed her cheek before rising from the bed and making her way back to Lucas.

"She's fell asleep watching reality TV..." She said after closing the door behind her. "Her fever is down which is a good thing…hopefully soon we will be passed this."

"I'm glad to hear that…"

"Monsieur, madame … votre déjeuner est prêt dans le jardin. Je vais vous y conduire." Esmée said after locating them in the hall. (Sir, ma'am... your lunch is ready in the garden. I'll lead you to it.)

"Parfait. Merci Esmée." Lucas said to her. They then followed her to the garden. Past the fountains and the bushes there was a picnic table set with plates, silverware and flutes of champagne awaiting them underneath the Cypress tree. "Merci encore, Esmée." (Thanks again, Esmée)

The maid just smiled then left them to themselves. Brooke watched her leave then turned to Lucas and said, "I didn't get a chance to thank you for today… This day started out badly... and then got way better. I really had a great time with you guys."

"You know that you don't have to thank me for that. I love spending time with you and I love spending time with my boys and I was just waiting for an excuse to combine the two." He said as he helped her sit down.

He then opened the picnic basket and found two wrapped baguettes in butcher paper and tie with twine, green salad with a small jar of homemade French vinaigrette, Brie cheese and Raspberry Clafoutis for dessert with a bottle of Dom Perignon Champagne.

The sandwich was delicious, with a French style ham, good butter, gruyere cheese, accented by a tiny bit of Dijon – all on a crusty baguette.

"This is the best Jambon-Beurre I have ever tasted." Brooke said after she finished chewing, wanting to savor every bit of it. She then sipped the wine in her mouth, and it filled up her palate straight away with a smooth oily texture, delivering pungent and layered flavors that seem to demand her most careful attention.

The Champagne was dry, with a crisp and lively acidity providing a constant mineral tension all along the tasting. The balance with the oily body, and a hint of residual sugars is captivating. After a first impression dominated by zesty ripe lemon flavors, the mid-palate bursts in a myriad of notes, from orange peel to honey and walnut, through jammy apricot, a hint of tropical pineapple and green mango, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg, with fennel and much more.

The Brie was deliciously creamy cheese and the salad delightfully light and refreshing. Then the Raspberry Clafoutis was to die for, not too sweet and delicious.

After they finished eating Lucas walked her to her room and gave her a soft kiss then said, "I've been dying to do that all day. But now I have to check in with the office and check out construction and see if everything is on schedule while the boys are asleep. I'll see you later alright?"

Brooke nodded, "Okay…see you later."

Lucas gave her another kiss, this time it was soft and lingering with a lite bit of tongue, a sort of kiss that was set to make her heart melt and her knees all gooey. Then he was gone. Brooke bit her lip and smiled before shutting the door behind her.